This week marks Christopher Lawrence’s final shows as ABC Classic’s Weekend Breakfast presenter, after an ABC career spanning over 40 years.

From Saturday 19 January we welcome back Ed Ayres to provide the perfect musical start to the weekend for Australian classical music lovers.

Lawrence is one of the ABC’s longest-serving radio presenters, with a career across ABC RN (where he was the first host of The Music Show), Local Radio and most famously at ABC Classic FM, where he is best-known to many listeners for introducing the popular Swoon series. Throughout his career, Lawrence has produced award-winning documentaries and recordings, collaborated with the likes of Stuart Challender and Dame Joan Sutherland, and written four books.

“It has been such a privilege to spend over 40 years sharing my love of music with Australians,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working on some new projects, including writing, and devoting more time to my two small children.

"I’ll miss being part of the wonderful family that is ABC Classic FM, but I’ll certainly be keeping a connection with the network and our listeners into the future.”

Audiences will continue to hear Lawrence’s voice throughout 2019, as the presenter of special events on ABC Classic. ABC Classic Content Manager Toby Chadd said: “Christopher’s deep love and knowledge of music, paired with his wit and eloquence, have been a part of so many of our lives for decades. We’re sorry to see him go but look forward to welcoming him back for special broadcasts from Tasmania.”

Ed Ayres returns to ABC Classic after four years spent teaching in Afghanistan, travelling, broadcasting for the ABC, and writing an acclaimed book. He will also continue to share his love of visual art on his weekly ABC RN show at 10am each Wednesday. “Well I’ve changed just a tad since I was last on ABC Classic, but now I have that feeling of seeing family again after a very long time,” said Ayres.